7 Best Cigar Lighters in 2021

Xikar Quad Cigar Lighter

Vertigo by Lotus (Cyclone Triple Torch) Cigar Lighter

Mantello Catador Triple-Jet Flame Butane Torch Lighter with Cigar Punch Cutter

You do not have to be a cigar expert to know that cheap matches and plastic lighter you get at your local convenience store won’t be reliable enough for your cigar. You should never use a cigarette match or cigarette lighter to light your cigar; they will ruin your cigar quite easily.

A good quality cigar lighter will produce a powerful windproof flame and won’t add any bad taste to the cigar as you inhale the first puffs. The lighter should be specific to the smoking needs of a cigar. The tobacco that cigarettes use is dry while the tobacco used in cigars is moist, and this means that you need a lighter that uses a fuel that won’t give your cigar a bad taste; the best type of fuel for this is butane. The size of the flame should be wider to provide you with an even light.

There are some important key features that you need to know before purchasing a cigar lighter. These features include flame type, size, flame adjustment, ignition type, and weight; they all have their impact on the reliability, performance, and price of the cigar lighter.

TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CIGAR LIGHTER

Flame Type

The first factor you have to consider when purchasing a cigar lighter is the flame type. You can’t compare lighting a cigarette and properly lighting a cigar. A basic lighter such as a BIC will provide you with a jittery flame, while a good butane cigar lighter will provide you with a consistent, strong jet of flame. A butane lighter’s flame will allow you properly to toast the end of your cigar without leaving a bad taste. However, you should know that there is a lot of variation regarding single and multiple flame lighters.

Single Flame: It takes a bit of time for single flame lighters to toast and light a cigar properly, but they save butane over a long period. Butane can be quite expensive. One of the advantages of a single flame cigar lighter is that they are cheaper and have a small body size.

Double Flame, Triple Torch, And Quad Torch: These types of flame torch lighters can toast and light your cigar faster than the single flame cigar lighter will, and the extra flame makes it windproof. However, the more flames, the more butane that is used up, and it also means that there will be an increase in the size of the lighter. You could also purchase a quad torch lighter, but they are usually much stronger than what you really need to toast and light your cigar properly.

Flame Height Adjustment

It is vital for your cigar lighter to have an adjustable flame for it to be considered a high-quality torch lighter. Having the flame adjustment feature allows you to easily control the flame and direct it to the cigar’s tip without any safety issues. A cigar lighter with the flame adjustment feature usually has the adjustment wheel located at the lighter’s bottom.

Size And Weight

Another important factor to consider is the size and weight of the cigar lighter. If you get a portable lighter, you will be able to carry it around and smoke anywhere, but you might have to let go of some power. If you get a tabletop lighter, you won’t be able to keep it in your pocket because it can weigh up to a pound.

Portable / Pocket Size: It might feel great to hold a heavy lighter, but they can cause your pocket to weigh a ton, especially if you’re also carrying a phone and keys. If you know you would like to carry your lighter around with you, you may want to go for a portable lighter as they are made to be pocket-sized while still providing you with a consistent strong flame.

These types of lighters usually come in a rectangular or cylindrical shape. The rectangular shape may be best for jean pockets as they won’t leave an obvious lump in your pocket. However, they are usually almost the same size as a tube of lip balm.

Tabletop Size: These types of lighters are made to be kept in your home or used on a patio, and they can light more than 1,000 cigars in between refills. You can carry them with you, but they are not comfortable because of their weight, and they are usually personalized or engraved, which makes them more valuable to the owner. They are great for cigar experts who enjoy having a smoke in their backyard with their friends.

Ignition Type

There are two types of ignition, they include;

Flint: Flint is a type of stone that produces sparks when struck with a piece of metal. When the sparks meet with butane, it provides you with light. This type of ignition depends on the physical spark to be created, and it can be affected by environmental factors that include moisture and wind. The majority of jet butane torch lighters don’t come with flint starters.

Piezo: The most common principle that a piezo-based starter uses is the piezoelectricity principle. This reaction occurs when a body accumulates an electrical charge due to high pressure. For torch lighters, in order for electricity to be generated a quartz crystal has to be struck. The produced spark travels through a wire down to the ignition point where it meets the butane. This type of ignition is more reliable than the flint type ignition. It is mostly used in the majority of the best cigar lighters available.

Price

The price of a cigar lighter varies on the use. You can purchase an affordable and portable cigar lighter for about $20. However, tabletop lighters can be as expensive as $80 to $100.

Multipurpose

The best thing about good quality cigars is their multipurpose ability. Compact sized cigar lighters have a reliable ignition method, and they use a smaller amount of fuel because they can be used to light different things around the house or use it out on your campsite, or even start your grill for a cookout.

Easy Refill

If you’re cigar lighter is easy to refill, there will be fewer chances of an accident. Easy refill will prevent the butane from spilling all over your hands and the countertop, as this is a major safety concern. The best type of easy refills for older gents are the easy refill valves paired with butane cans that are long and thin. All you have to do is press the can down on the lighter.

Fuel Level / Fuel Guage

This is a standard for most cigar lighters; the gauge tells you the butane level you have left in the fuel tank. Large and longer gauges allow you to see the fuel level properly, and this prevents you from ending up with an empty lighter when you’re trying to have a smoke away from home or with friends.

Lifetime Warranty

Cigar lighters that are expensive most times come with lifetime warranties. This provides the user with peace of mind and also tells you that the company stands by their product any day. Before you purchase a cigar lighter, especially an expensive one, ensure that their contact information and warranty claim process is easy to understand.

Travel Friendly

Most of the time, you want to enjoy a cigar during your vacation or travel. This is usually the case for people who don’t generally smoke. It is vital that you travel with your cigar lighter in a special container approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), and it has to be checked.

Exterior

The lighter you purchase should have a metal body that is solid and reliable. The majority of cigar aficionados usually go for cigar lighters that have a rugged yet sleek look. The most popular light materials used in making cigar lighters are stainless steel and zinc alloy. Lighters can either be smooth or textured. The lighters with textured surfaces are easier to grip, but most smokers prefer lighters with a smooth feel. Ensure that you select a cigar lighter that meets your requirements.

There are also lighters that have flip-top lids. They are unnecessary, but they help protect the vulnerable ignition parts, and they may also shield the flame from excess wind.

Brand

As with most of every product, there will be some tried and trusted cigar lighter brands that are well known. A lot of cigar enthusiasts prefer a long time Zippo brand. However, some newcomers are making their way onto the scene; they include Xikar, Vertigo, Colibri, and much more. You will choose the brand you most prefer with this article as it covers the majority of the best cigar lighter brands.

CIGAR LIGHTER ACCESSORIES

There are other accessories that you will need other than a cigar lighter when it comes to smoking. These accessories include;

Butane Or Purofine

Now that you have gotten your new cigar lighter, you have to fill it with something because they ship them empty. Any high-quality cigar lighter needs to be filled with either butane or Purofine (priority butane by Xikar). Purofine is a high-performance butane type; it increases the performance and provides the user with a strong and robust flame. It is usually recommended to be used in some name brands cigar lighters such as Xikar.

You can also use butane to fill your lighter; butane can be purchased online or locally. Every butane is basically the same thing. It is best to buy a larger canister than you actually need. The last thing you want is for your lighter to run out while you’re trying to light your cigar among your cigar smoking friends.

Cigar Cutter

It is vital to get a good quality cigar cutter to enjoy your cigar smoking experience properly. The best type of cigar cutter is the double guillotine cigar cutter. Getting a sharp cigar cutter will allow you to get a clean cut size that will let you control how quickly you can draw from your cigar. Most of the time, there are very few reasons why you would purchase a precut cigar. If you haven’t purchased a cigar or have one with you when you need it, you can just walk into any reputable cigar shop, and they will cut your cigar for you, free of any charge. When it comes to cutter quality, a sharp cutter will allow you to slice the tip-off without any mistakes, but a cheap cutter will smoother the tip while pushing the tobacco.

Cigar Humidor

If you would like to start a collection of cigars and store them for a long period, you will need to invest in a good quality cigar humidor. A cigar humidor provides your cigars with a stable environment, which prevents the cigars from drying out and helps the cigars retain their flavor. This is the main reason why top quality cigar shops keep their cigars in a different room. You can use different methods to control the humidity in your humidor; they range from using chemical packs to using electric-powered humidifiers.

Cigar Punch

This is another option for the cigar cutter. A punch is used to put a .25 inch hole in the middle of the cigar’s tip. They are great for cigar smokers that are always on the move. They can easily slide into your pocket or be hung on a keychain. Some smokers prefer cigar punches to cigar cutters because they provide you with consistent results. Cigar punches do not need to be sharp; however, they must have a nice edge and be clean.

CIGAR LIGHTERS VS. OTHER MEANS

Cigar Lighter

Cigar lighters use butane for power and usually use quartz for their ignition. They are specifically made to be windproof, evenly toast your cigar and also light your cigar without burning one part more than the other. Cigar lighters come in two designs, either pocket designs or tabletop designs. Most of them also come with fuel windows and built-in punches. Cigar lighters are made to serve expert cigar smokers or people who want to show off among their friends and colleagues.

Basic Lighter

It is best to keep regular lighters such as Bic away from cigars and use them for cigarettes and candles. Their variable flame work great for some things such as lighting BBQ grills, fires, and other things around the house. But their small size and weak flame make it hard to toast a cigar properly.

Matches

Some cigar aficionados and older gents will say that matches are the only way to truly light a cigar and stand by their belief. If that is what you prefer, you can use matches, but the best, easiest, and most reliable way to light your cigar is by using a cigar lighter.

To prevent you from being ripped off and buying a cigar lighter that will break after using it regularly for a few months, we have done all the hard work and reviewed some of the best cigar lighters available in the market.

The Best Cigar Lighters In 2020 Are Reviewed Below

We reviewed the best cigar lighters in 2020 and detailed their key points, features, and specifications. We also answered some common questions that people have when purchasing a cigar lighter. So make use of this guide to select the best cigar lighter that meets your requirements.

1

Xikar Quad Cigar Lighter

Xikar was founded in 1996, and the company focuses on one thing, which is well designed high-quality smoking accessories ranging from lighters to ashtrays to cutters. However, they are well known mostly for their well-crafted jet cigar lighters, and the Xikar Quad is at the top of the list. It is a sleek and powerful cigar lighter; it’s a combination of power and control, all put together in a portable and attractive package.

The lighter features a pull-down action that makes ignition easy to achieve, while its flip-top lids protect the inner mechanisms when they are not in use. The Xikar Quad comes with a lifetime warranty and will make a great gift for any cigar lover. The Xikar Quad is at the top of the price list, so it’s not for casual smokers. However, if you want to toast your cigar quickly and correctly, the best lighter for your money is the Xikar Quad.

Key Features:

  • Quad flame
  • Four angled jets
  • Patented designed chassis
  • Ignition is pull down
  • In-line fuel adjustment wheel
  • Double view fuel windows
  • Includes attractive gift box

Specification:

  • Brand: Xikar
  • Model: Quad Cigar Lighter
  • Weight: 0.5 pounds (8 ounces)
  • Dimensions: 6.34 * 3.74 * 1.57 inches
  • Color: Blue
Pros
  • Its top lid retracts up to 90 degrees to allow easy lighting
  • It features fuel control with a fuel tank view window
  • The Xikar brand is known for excellence
Cons
  • It doesn’t feature a punch cutter
  • It’s only available in one color

2

Vertigo by Lotus (Cyclone Triple Torch) Cigar Lighter

The Vertigo by Lotus Cigar Lighter is a great lighter for any cigar smoker to have. Its lovely charcoal grey exterior will first attract you to the lighter, and its ergonomic push-button also makes it easy to ignite the strong flame. Its dual-action quartz-powered ignition allows the user to control the flame. It is resistant to wind, and this makes it great for outdoor use. This lighter also comes with a large butane reservoir and a butane level indicator. This lighter also comes with a fabric pouch for protection. This lighter has a metal exterior that has engraved twists for an easy and steady grip. Its ignition buttons come out at the side while its flip-top lid lifts once the lighter is ignited.

The Vertigo Torch lighter is a very affordable lighter that any smoker can buy. It has a compact size and an easy ignition button and fuel window. If you need a high-quality cigar lighter that is affordable, then go for this lighter. It has great value for money. It also comes in both charcoal and other clear colors.

Key Features:

  • Wind resistant three torch flame
  • Quartz powered ignition
  • Dual-action ignition
  • Refillable
  • Fuel level window

Specification:

  • Brand: Vertigo Parfums
  • Model: Lotus Cyclone Triple Torch Cigar Lighter
  • Weight: 1.76 ounces (0.05 kilograms)
  • Dimensions: 6.25 * 3.4 * 0.9 inches
  • Fuel: butane gas
Pros
  • It comes with two lighters in a pack
  • It is wind resistant
  • It is well made yet affordable
  • It has an easy ignition
  • Refillable butane reservoir
  • It comes with a cloth pouch for storage and protection
  • Its fuel window is easy to read
  • It’s a triple torch lighter
Cons
  • It doesn’t come with an adjustment wheel; you’ll have to use a screwdriver
  • Some customers have reported leaks
  • It has some plastic components

3

Mantello Catador Triple-Jet Flame Butane Torch Lighter with Cigar Punch Cutter

This cigar lighter is exceptional. It has a rigged silver and black exterior that gives it this exquisite look. This lighter is extremely durable, and you can also refill the butane reservoir anytime you need more. But doing this requires you to do a bit of guesswork as this lighter doesn’t have a butane level indicator. But you can still adjust the gas flow by twisting the rotary dial on the side of the lighter.

With just a push of the button, the lighter provides you with a three torch flame. It is easy to ignite and quite reliable. It comes packed in a black and gold gift box. This lighter also comes with a cigar punch. This lighter is durable but also affordable.

Key Features:

  • Windproof triple-flame design
  • Venting holes
  • Features a punch cutter
  • Refillable
  • Adjustable gas flow

Specification:

  • Brand: Mantello Cigars
  • Model: Catador Triple-Jet Flame Butane Torch Lighter
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.7 * 3.1 * 1.2 inches
  • Material: Alloy Steel
Pros
  • Refillable butane reservoir
  • It comes with a cigar punch attachment
  • Adjustable gas flow for optimum control
  • It comes in a beautiful gift box
  • It is compliant with D.O.T. regulations
  • It has a one-year limited manufacturers warranty
Cons
  • It has no butane level window

4

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This cigar lighter is a statement piece for any cigar aficionado that wants to make an impression. It is large with a 1.4 oz fuel tank that can contain enough butane to light about 1,000 cigars. The cigar allows you to quickly and evenly light your cigar. It features an adjustable knob, a windproof tabletop torch, a chrome underbody, and a sleek design. All of its features make it one of the best on the market right now.

Properly smoking a cigar depends largely on the prep, and with this tabletop lighter, you’ll be able to properly prep your cigar. Its quartz ignition tech and triple-flame design will make lighting and smoking incredibly easy. This tabletop lighter is also very affordable, you might not be able to travel with it, but it will make smoking at home more fun.

Key Features:

  • Fuel tank capacity of 1.4 oz
  • Lights up to 1,000 cigars
  • Large flame
  • Quick and even lighting

Specification:

  • Brand: Alec Bradley
  • Model: “The Burner” Table Cigar Lighter
  • Weight: 0.37 pounds
  • Dimensions: 9 * 6 * 0.5 inches
Pros
  • It has a large fuel tank so that refills will be less
  • It uses a quartz lighting tech with an adjustable torch height
  • Its large flame can light the whole cigar, so there is no need to rotate the cigar
Cons
  • It has a short neck, so you may need to get closer to the flame than you would prefer
  • It has some plastic components

5

Cobber Torch Lighter

The Cobber Torch Lighter is an affordable lighter that has a durable metal body and flip-top lid. The feel and look of this lighter are amazing. It is a four torch flame lighter, and it can easily be adjusted. This lighter boasts of using the world-renowned Piezo Ignition. The body of this lighter is made from zinc alloy. If the flame is left on for a few seconds, it turns red; the red flame is more prominent in natural lighting. It also comes with a cigar punch; this cigar makes your smoking experience more interesting.

The Cobber torch cigar lighter comes with a large refillable butane tank and a fuel level indicator that allows you to know when the light needs a refill. This lighter is also one of the most affordable lighters on this list.

Key Features:

  • Flip-top lid
  • Fuel level window
  • Adjustable flame height
  • Refillable
  • Large flame base
  • Red flame

Specification:

  • Brand: Cobber
  • Model: Torch Lighter
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.1 * 2.6 * 1.2 inches
Pros
  • It has a more reliable ignition with its four torches
  • Its red flame is more visible under the sun
  • It has a durable metal body
  • It has an easy to understand butane level indicator
  • It has a built-in cigar punch
  • Its flip-top lid keeps the fragile ignition safe
Cons
  • It has an obvious butane odor

6

WIOR Torch Lighter

If you need a cigar lighter to carry about, this lighter will suit you well. It’s almost the same size as a pen. It features an adjustable wheel at one end and has a single torch burner at the other end. It is constructed from high-quality zinc alloy.

It has a single click ignition that allows you to light it easily, and the lock button keeps you safe by preventing accidents. It has a 1.8 grams tank that can be used about 500 times. It is a cheap lighter that will serve you well.

Key Features:

  • Windproof
  • Safety lock
  • Turbojet flame
  • Refillable
  • Adjustable flame

Specification:

  • Brand: WIOR
  • Model: Torch Lighter
  • Weight: 0.2 kilograms
  • Dimensions: 8.66 * 1.77 * 2.76 inches
Pros
  • Its distinctive shape makes it easy to carry about
  • It has a nice and durable construction
  • It is multifunctional
Cons
  • It has only one jet
  • It is not a widely known brand

7

TOMOLO Torch Lighter Triple Jet Flame Refillable Butane Cigar Lighter

The Tomolo Torches usually come in a pack of two. They are impressive lighters that improve your smoking experience. They also have a durable and beautiful zinc alloy shell with some plastic components on the lighter’s exterior. This lighter has a transparent fuel level window and a refillable butane reservoir. It also comes with a cigar punch, meaning you don’t have to buy a separate cigar punch.

They come packed in premium gift boxes. You can keep one for yourself and give the other to any friend. It has a large lighting surface thanks to its three torch flames; it won’t be hard for you to light your cigar on the first try.

Key Features:

  • Constructed from zinc alloy
  • Transparent fuselage fuel tank design
  • Triple jet flame
  • Compliant with USPS safety regulations
  • One-year manufacturer’s warranty

Specification:

  • Brand: TOMOLO
  • Model: Torch Cigar Lighter
  • Weight: 2.5 Oz
  • Dimensions: 3.3 * 0.9 * 0.8 inches
Pros
  • It comes with in-built punches
  • It is refillable
  • A pack contains two lighters
  • It is durable
Cons
  • It has some plastic elements

Buying Guide Questions

What are the best cigar lighters? What is the most expensive lighter?

The best type of cigar lighters are lighters that use butane for power; they do not give your cigar a bad taste. Our personal favorite is the Xikar Quad Cigar Lighter; it provides you with everything you need in a cigar lighter.

The most expensive lighter available in the market is the DuPont Ligne 2 Champagne lighter, priced at $79,000. It is made out of 18-carat white gold that is embellished with 468 diamonds.

Are Zippos good for cigars? Are Zippo lighters bad for your health?

Most Zippo lighter do not use butane for power; this is why it is advised not to use a zippo lighter for your cigar as it may impart a different taste to your cigar.

Zippo lighters do not necessarily cause harm to your health except it is inhaled or ingested.

Do lighters ruin cigars?

Instead of using regular lighters, make use of a butane lighter or wooden matches as they do not give your cigar a different taste. Other lighters that use certain chemicals may cause your cigar to have a funny taste.

Can I keep my lighter in my humidor?

It is best not to store your lighter in a humidor. The humidity from the humidor may cause the gas to leak, and this will taint your cigars.

Why are DuPont lighters so expensive?

Most people argue that DuPont lighters are the best type of lighters because of how much is spent on their production and quality.

Are plasma lighters good for cigars?

Plasma lighters are best used for cigarillos and mini-cigars as they are too small to light a normal size cigar.

Conclusion

Like every product purchased, you will need to choose a cigar lighter that suits your style. If you’re a smoker who constantly moves, you need to get something portable with features such as a punch and fuel window. If you smoke more at home and would like to impress your guests, you can purchase a tabletop lighter.

Also, see;

Best Windproof Lighters

Best Cigar Cutters

Best Humidor Packs